Dutch startup aQysta has created a Barsha irrigation pump (Nepalese for "rain pump") that GizMag reports "...can reportedly boost crop yields in developing nations by up to five times, yet requires no fuel or electricity to operate." The pump looks much like a stationary water wheel; when placed directly into a flowing river, it can pump one liter of water per second through a hose up to a height of 25 meters.

Why it's important:This emissions-free irrigation pump is a promising approach to end food scarcity in developing nations. With development plans in the works for Asia, Latin America and Africa, it's a matter of time before we see the network effects of abundantirrigation water.